15 
 
                                                               Exhibit 12.1 
 
 
                            Boston Edison Company 
              Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges 
                      Twelve Months Ended March 31, 1997 
                                (in thousands) 
 
 
                                                 
Net income from continuing operations               $137,278 
 
Income taxes                                          85,429 
 
Fixed charges                                        117,567
                                                    -------- 
 
     Total                                          $340,274
                                                    ======== 
 
Interest expense                                    $108,319 
Interest component of rentals                          9,248
                                                    -------- 
 
     Total                                          $117,567
                                                    ======== 
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                      2.89
                                                        ====